We’re now into the back third of meteorological spring and it’s feeling more like… the beginning?
It has been a notably cool (and wet) end to April and start of May, right around when one might have been expecting some warmer weather to move in.
As this post is being written, the thermometer is sitting at 48 degrees, which sounds more like May in Manitoba than Arlington. (In fact, it’s currently a touch warmer in Winnipeg.)
A relatively modesty warm up is on the way, however. Near-average temperatures are expected to return next week, according to the Capital Weather Gang’s outlook.
With low temperatures frequently dipping into the 40s and highs mostly in the 50s and 60s this week, it will feel more like March than May. But highs should leap into the 70s or warmer next week…
For the second half of May, longer term models project near to slightly below normal temperatures.
What best describes your reaction to the current cool stretch?
Just over 5,000 Dominion customers were without power Saturday afternoon, according to the power company’s website.
The large outage, centered around Columbia Pike but running from Douglas Park in the south to Lyon Park in the north, is the result of storm damage, Dominion said. A line of thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain rolled through Arlington prior to the outage.
A total of 5,044 customers were affected as of 2:45 p.m.
Dominion reported nearly 20,000 outages throughout Northern Virginia following the storms. The good news is that an earlier Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been dropped for Northern Virginia locales, suggesting that the worst of the storms is over.
Update at 7:20 p.m. — Power has mostly been restored after an hours-long outage. Fewer than 250 homes and businesses in Arlington remain in the dark as night falls, according to Dominion.
Never thought about grocery stores during outages before – must be a challenge – #penrose Giant pic.twitter.com/msMdpsfcny
— SRtwofourfour (@SRtwofourfour) April 22, 2023
Updated at 9:40 a.m. — The earlier watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. From the National Weather Service:
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR VIRGINIA, SOUTHERN MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA PANHANDLE…
The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* WINDS…West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 18 percent.
* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are expected through this evening. All outdoor burning is discouraged, as fires could rapidly spread and become uncontrollable.
* FUEL MOISTURE…Dropping to around 7 or 8 percent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for most areas south of I-68/I-70 from noon until 8PM this evening. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, & strong winds are expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger. For more, visit: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr. pic.twitter.com/bliRAqJlwv
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 18, 2023
Earlier: Arlington County, along with much of the D.C. area, will be under a Fire Weather Watch tomorrow.
Small brush fires are not uncommon in Arlington, though at no point in recent history has one threatened a home, as happened in D.C. last month.
Forecasters say Tuesday’s weather will be windy with low humidity — ideal for the spread of brush fires.
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for a majority of the region Tuesday afternoon & evening. West winds gusting 30 to 40 mph combined with low minimum RH values will yield elevated fire weather concerns. Please avoid any burning during this time. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/3bu0C5UzL6
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 17, 2023
Protect those sensitive plants and that outdoor plumbing now — the potential for freezing overnight temperatures has prompted a Freeze Warning for Arlington and other parts of the D.C. area.
More from the National Weather Service:
…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT MONDAY…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 to 32 degrees expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Instructions:
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
With another night of freezing temperatures expected, much of the region will be under Freeze Warnings from 2 AM-10 AM Monday. Areas to the west which have no freeze product have not seen their growing season start yet. Protect: Pets, Plants & People. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/wMCLc5MVRO
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 9, 2023
A strong storm is approaching Arlington from the west, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Warning — the first of the year.
From the National Weather Service:
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… The District of Columbia… Southeastern Montgomery County in central Maryland… Northern Prince Georges County in central Maryland…
Arlington County in northern Virginia… The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia… Northeastern Fairfax County in northern Virginia…
* Until 700 PM EDT.
* At 617 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Tysons Corner, or over American Legion Bridge, moving east at 40 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles….HAIL THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE…<.75 IN
WIND THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST…60 MPH
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Silver Spring MD until 7:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/KKRlhC3ATR
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
Arlington and much of the D.C. area is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
The watch is in effect until 10 p.m.
Forecasters say today’s sunshine and warmth may fuel strong storms starting this afternoon. Damaging winds and hail are possible through the evening hours.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for areas along & east of the Blue Ridge through 10 pm EDT. Primary threats include scattered gusts up to 70 mph along with isolated large hail. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/Oi40DcLAwg
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
Shower and storm coverage will increase later this afternoon and evening especially in areas along and east of the Blue Ridge. Damaging winds and hail will be possible with storms that form between 3-9pm. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx https://t.co/0RGf8fkT4A
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
(Updated at 9:15 a.m.) Batten down the hatches, it’s going to get pretty windy Saturday.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the earlier High Wind Watch for Arlington to a High Wind Warning, in effect Saturday from noon to midnight.
Forecasters say gusts of up to 60 mph could fell trees, knock out power to parts of the area, and make travel treacherous.
More from NWS:
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT EDT SATURDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph Saturday afternoon, becoming northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph Saturday evening.
* WHERE…Portions of central and northern Maryland, The District of Columbia, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From noon Saturday to midnight EDT Saturday night. The strongest winds are expected Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The expected weather is already postponing outdoor events, like National Landing’s Pink in the Park event.
More via social media:
https://twitter.com/NationalLanding/status/1642125435403218949
Damaging winds are expected on Saturday. High Wind Warnings are in effect for most of the region for gusts up to 65 mph. Wind Advisories remain for areas generally south of I-66 for gusts up 55 mph. Secure loose objects and prepare for power outages. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/9PJyMWIMQ7
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 1, 2023
Think of the carts.
They're off for the weekend anyway so make sure they're safe and cozy, with food scraps a-plenty for the green one. https://t.co/9ps4JXzZET https://t.co/1v4E6yWooN— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 31, 2023
Arlington County and surrounding areas, including D.C., are currently under a Wind Advisory.
Gusty winds are expected to persist throughout the day an into the overnight hours Wednesday. With gusts of up to 50 mph, downed trees and power outages are possible.
More from the National Weather Service.
523 AM EDT Tue Mar 14 2023
…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Mountain snow showers persist today into tonight. A drier day further east, but a few snow showers over northern MD this A.M. Cold with increasing NW winds gusting to 50 mph this afternoon. Highs only low-mid 40s outside the mountains. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/uyVsIw2Wfr
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 14, 2023
Springtime is upon us and that means more frequent severe weather outbreaks.
To prepare residents, the Commonwealth of Virginia is holding its annual statewide tornado drill today at 9:45 a.m. A test alert will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System, but should not trigger mobile phone alerts.
Participating businesses and schools will prepare taking shelter during the drill.
The drill is part of Virginia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, held from March 6-10 this year.
Virginia's statewide Tornado Drill is @ 9:45am (Tue). The Routine Monthly Test (RMT) EAS code won't trigger cell phones, but gives the opportunity to develop a plan & take shelter. Share your shelter spot during the drill using #ShowYourShelter #vawx https://t.co/ff1HAzsKVg pic.twitter.com/qojtwmAgek
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 7, 2023
Arlington County is under a Wind Advisory for much of the day on Saturday.
Rain showers will give way to fog tonight (Friday) before the clouds clear Saturday and the wind starts blowing. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected.
The gusty wind combined with waterlogged ground could topple trees and cause power outage.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
256 PM EST Fri Mar 3 2023
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…West to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued, generally for late tonight into Saturday. Areas of wind damage and scattered power outages expected from gusty NW winds. For more detailed info on timing & locations, visit: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/4Kfhis40Kw
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 3, 2023
Temperatures today could reach 80 degrees, which would surpass the circa-1874 record of 78.
On one hand, it’s hard to argue against temperatures in the 70s in isolation. On the other hand, there is just something disconcerting about experiencing that in February.
WHOA… 80 degrees in February!!?? No snowy photos for us this winter, so taking a blast from winter past! pic.twitter.com/3VEHtbiZw5
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) February 23, 2023
It feels like a coda on a weird, mostly snowless winter that has even left the Arlington County Fire Department pining for some actual winter weather.
So what do you think about this weather?
